Prostate cancer research

Pelican supports research that informs and improves prostate cancer detection and treatment today.

The charity is committed to improving the lives of men with prostate cancer by funding innovative research projects that investigate precise treatments, such as focal therapy. We are particularly interested in treatments with less severe side effects. To learn more watch this video of Mr Hashim Ahmed at a recent conference in the USA.

Over the last 10 years there has been an increase in the number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer, but the number who die from prostate cancer has remained constant. We believe this demonstrates more men with low-risk cancer are being diagnosed and treated without receiving any survival benefit. The effects of some prostate cancer treatments can have a negative impact on quality of life.

European research has shown that 1410 men would have to be screened with PSA testing (a blood test that measures the amount of prostate specific antigen, heightened levels of which signify a change in state of the prostate gland – but this may not be cancer), leading to 48 men being diagnosed with prostate cancer and having radical treatment for ONE MAN to benefit. This is over-diagnosis and over-treatment.

Pelican believes that there are new technologies and treatments that can make treatment more precise. Our objective is to find a way to identify only clinically-important prostate cancer and more precise treatment that does not have negative side effects for urinary, bowel and sexual function.

For several years, Pelican Cancer Foundation has supported the work of Professor Mark Emberton and his research team at University College Hospital London. Our research has been into High Intensity Focal Ultrasound (HIFU), specifically looking to see if focal therapy is a viable option for prostate cancer treatment.

We have also previously supported the work of Dr Nicholas van As at the Royal Marsden Hospital. This research has been into the use of MRI as a way to predict clinically-significant prostate cancer. Mr van As has a particular interest in Active Surveillance. This is a way of monitoring cancer that is contained within the prostate. In this way treatment with negative side effects can be avoided until the cancer starts growing.

Pelican has also organised several high-profile prostate cancer colloquiums over recent years. These have involved a number of eminent medical professionals from around the world and have focused on current and relevant issues in the field of prostate cancer treatment and research. These provide an important opportunity for presentation of new ideas, discussion and collaboration among experts and play a pivotal role in advancing and improving prostate cancer care and treatment.